Premises liability laws in Florida are designed to protect people who are visiting someone else’s property. These laws may be applicable to private and public property but they can vary greatly depending on the circumstances. Property owners are required to maintain their property for safety, but the maintenance guidelines can be difficult to understand. Those who have been injured on someone else’s property can benefit from understanding how premises liability laws work.
What premises liability means
Premises liability pertains to personal injuries that happen on publicly or privately owned properties. These injuries may come from falls, animal bites, improperly maintained elevators, amusement rides, and swimming pools. Property owners are legally responsible for maintaining their property for the safety of those lawfully visiting. The level of maintenance and care required by the owner varies based on the type of property and the type of visitor.
A visitor to a property can be categorized based on the reason the individual is there. These categories include employees, children, invitees, licensees, and trespassers. Depending on the type of injury and the cause, property owners may be held liable for partial compensation if the injured party was negligent or full compensation if it’s determined that the owner was completely at fault.
Not every injury is cause for legal action (but many are)
Some people are under the impression that any injury on another person’s property allows for compensation through a civil lawsuit. But certain criteria must be met before one can file suit against the property owner. Victims have the right to seek legal advice from an attorney to better understand if their injury falls under premises liability guidelines. If a Florida property owner did not follow the state’s laws, they may be held liable for compensation that can help the victim recover.